Oman is the first Gulf region country to introduce German language classes into the new academic school year. Over 100 students in grades 6 and 7 have opted to try out the beginner German courses that are now available.
The new classes are pilot classes to see how well the German language is received by the students and their families. German translation is becoming more popular in Oman because of economic development and tourism.
Minister of Education in Oman Thanks Goethe-Institut
Dr. Madiha Bint Ahmad Al Shaibani, the Minister of Education in Oman, has thanked the Goethe-Institut for the active role they played in getting German classes instituted in Omani schools.
The Director of the Goethe Institute Gulf Region, Susanne Sporrer, says that the Institute is pleased to be able to introduce the German language, and that it’s important for all young people to be able to experience a different language and culture at some point.
Hopefully, the new classes will be a success and students will be able to provide translation services for their families or use their acquired language in future careers in Germany and abroad. Sporrer also says that Oman is setting a good example by having their own teachers qualify to teach the new foreign language. The teachers are roles models that show what sorts of opportunities are available for people who strive to learn a second language.